A Message From Rev. Hannah

Dear Beloveds of USG,

I returned last week from days spent down in Baltimore at the UUA’s General Assembly and Ministry Days conference. It was so good to be surrounded by colleagues and congregants as we worshipped and learned and listened to what this moment is asking of us as Unitarian Universalists. But it felt hard to be away from this community. It feels like the unprecedented nature of this time is never-ending. The heatwave is putting extra stress on our bodies and on our infrastructure. We brace ourselves for the headlines every day, knowing our government is on the war path and it feels impossible to stop it. Our social media feeds are full of families being torn apart as masked ICE agents arrest elected officials with impunity. Nothing about this is normal and it is very, very okay to not feel okay. I felt so acutely aware of being away from all of you and I wanted you to know that I am here for you, even through the summer days when I am not in the pulpit. Our ministry is a shared one, so I hope you’ll know we all can lean on and be called back into ourselves by everyone here, but I am here and available until July 21st when I begin my study leave and vacation until August 19th. For those of you who are seeking a sense of spiritual re-centering, I offer you this prayer. May it ground you in a sense of comfort.

Spirit of Life,
Let us remember we are loved
Deeply and unconditionally.
Let us remember that we are connected
Tied and knotted and woven
Eternally obligated to one another and the Earth.
Let us remember we need each other
Dependent and human in every cell of our being
Broken and whole, healing and helping.
Let us release the tension
Of all we cannot control.
Let us hold fast
To all that brings us hope and calm:
Songs which make our voices break,
Children who laugh with abandon,
Friends who hug us extra tight,
A meal made with love,
Trees to give us shade and oceans which rock us to sleep.
You are one.
But you are not alone.
It is true: there is much to do.
And big dreams to dream.
Our faith will hold us together.
We will venture side by side to do right by each another in this life.
Every day we arise again, rooted in love.
Reaching for a new world.
Amen.

Additionally, I offer this song by Batya Levine; a beautiful anthem about rising again and again. Its haunting harmonies are a balm to my soul when I feel despairing or in need of comfort. Perhaps it might give you that too.

And as always, take care of your bodies and each other. As the heat wave crests, please be gentle with yourself. Find some water to immerse in. Sit on your porch after the sun goes down. Check in on the stray cats and your neighbors.

Sending each of you love,

Rev. Hannah